Stories That Outshine Stats
Californians headed to a new state to plant new roots.
New tiny bosses called the shots and moved to a more spacious crib.
THE LONG BEACH DENTIST
Our practice philosophy has been heavily influenced by Dr. Grella’s grandfather, who was a dentist for 40 years and always followed the Golden Rule: He never recommended dental treatments to patients that he would not believe in recommending for himself, and Dr. Grella upholds this same standard at his practice.
Dr. Grella has been practicing dentistry for over 15 years and he has extensive training from the Navy where he did his residency and active military duty.
Our office also has over 700 Google reviews... our patients LOVE our office and you will never find a dentist who is more passionate about Dentistry than Dr. Grella.
We promise if you come to our office you will love your experience and feel right at home.
Home Is Where The Heart Is
A home is far more than its architectural blueprint — it’s the sanctuary where our lives unfold, where memories are woven into the very fabric of our existence. It’s our refuge from the world, where we can truly let our guard down.
When that sanctuary is threatened or lost, the impact reverberates throughout every aspect of our lives. This truth hit close to home when we witnessed the devastating wildfires that swept through Los Angeles at the beginning of this year, capturing the world’s attention and breaking hearts globally.
Situated just 24 miles south of LA, the fires felt uncomfortably close to Long Beach. Many of us know someone who lost everything in those flames, and that personal connection, combined with our community’s inherent compassion, sparked an immediate and powerful response from our city. In this issue, we spotlight local business leaders who exemplified Long Beach’s spirit of solidarity, sharing their stories of why and how they rushed to aid our neighbors in need.
As we delve into our Home & Design issue, we’re privileged to feature a revealing Q&A with the CEO of one of Long Beach’s most distinguished real estate groups. After all, who understands the significance of “home” better than those who help others find theirs? We also explore fresh design perspectives, including a local interior designer’s take on Pantone’s Color of the Year. For those who love to entertain at home, an Instagram-famous food design expert shares her secrets for creating stunning grazing boards.
Long Beach City Lifestyle is designed to be more than just a magazine — we aspire to be a beautiful addition to your coffee table or kitchen island, sharing space with the furniture, decor, and cherished memories that make your house a home.
I remain deeply humbled by the privilege of connecting with you in your most sacred space each month. Home is where the heart is; my heart is here with you, Long Beach.
ATIRA RODRIGUEZ, PUBLISHER @LONGBEACHCITYLIFESTYLE
March 2025
PUBLISHER
Atira Rodriguez | atira.rodriguez@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Kat Schuster | kat.schuster@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jennifer Morehouse, Andrea Cruz
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Nirav Solanki
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
Proverbs 3:5-6
Our firm helps busy homeowners develop a solid plan for remodeling their home without the stress of managing the construction and details. We manage the process from concept to installation. Visit our website to book a free consultation when you mention LBCLIFESTYLE in your inquiry.
city scene
2025 State of the City 1: A young local musician skillfully plays her violin. 2: Long Beach-based 80s tribute band Knyght Ryder rocks the crowd. 3: Vice Mayor Cindy Allen shares a laugh with an attendee. 4: Mayor Rex Richardson delivers the 2025 State of the City address in Long Beach on January 14th. 5: Kevin Lee, Chief Public Affairs Officer, waves from the audience. 6: State of the Arts awardee DJ Jasper X scratches records at the 2025 State of the City. 7: R&B trio Daydream performs an original song at the 2025 State of the City.
Beach students?
Your donation will help turn at-promise youth in our city into successful, future-thinking, college and career-ready individuals. Our vision is to inspire every student to succeed academically and personally. Long Beach BLAST was established to bridge the gap for students who are socioeconomically disadvantaged by giving them the opportunity to engage in productive activities, meet state and national academic standards, and open their eyes to opportunities.
BLAST partners with schools in Long Beach and reaches out to connect a positive role model with youth who are facing adversity through our Academic Mentoring Program and Bridge to Success Program.
In 24 years, BLAST has inspired over 20,000 at-promise youth. Want to help
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business monthly
Downtown Mid-Century Modern Hotel Reopens
The once-dilapidated City Center motel reopened as a boutique hotel on January 7th, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Mayor Rex Richardson and a host of community members. Located at the intersection of 3rd Street and Atlantic Avenue, the refreshed 50-room hotel was fully renovated by Paloma Communities. The siblings behind Heritage, Chef Phillip Pretty and his sister Lauren, own the on-site restaurant Olive & Rose which features a neo-bistro menu.
New Electric-Hybrid Aircraft Touches Down in Long Beach
Long Beach-based Ampaire successfully landed its experimental hybrid-electric aircraft “Electric EEL” at Long Beach Airport after a 35-minute flight from Camarillo. The modified Cessna Skymaster demonstrates the company’s strategy to retrofit existing planes with cleaner propulsion systems. CEO Kevin Noertker aims to have the hybrid system certified and market-ready by 2026, contributing to reduced aviation emissions.
Modernized Bay Shore Neighborhood Library Welcomes Community Back
The City of Long Beach celebrated the reopening of the Bay Shore Neighborhood Library on January 11, after being temporarily closed for renovations. Upgrades made to the library focused on accessibility and energy efficiency. Improvements include new windows overlooking Alamitos Bay, ADA-compliant features like a front entrance ramp and automatic doors and new carpeting throughout. The library also now offers expanded access with a six-day service schedule.
Photography by Long Beach Public Library
Photography by Ampaire
Photography by City of Long Beach
2 3 4
Four unique “venue inside a venue” spaces to discover around town
ARTICLE BY ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
HIDDEN of Long Beach GEMS
1 - THE EXHIBITION ROOM : A secret entrance through a phone booth transports you from Roxanne’s to a prohibition-era speakeasy.
2 - CLAIRE’S AT THE MUSEUM : An elegant oceanfront dining experience on the Long Beach Museum of Art campus.
3 - UNION : Enjoy Southeast Asian-influenced SoCal cuisine while seated in the middle of Compound’s art gallery.
4 - THE WOLF’S DEN AT THE WICKED WOLF : This velvet-rich space with Moroccan decor is the perfect place to host an intimate event.
LONG BEACH STEPS UP TO HELP fire-scarred LA
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER AND ATIRA RODRIGUEZ
LONG BEACH OFFERS RELIEF, AID, AND HOPE TO WILDFIRE VICTIMS.
Long Beach community members help fill one of more than 20 trucks sent to LA to aid families in need.
When we think of home, it’s more than just walls and a roof – it’s where our most precious memories live, where we find refuge from life’s storms, where we feel most ourselves. Few of us pause to imagine what it would mean to lose not just the physical structure but the treasured photo albums, the marks on the wall tracking our children’s growth and the familiar comfort of our own bed.
But when disaster strikes nearby, as it did with the LA wildfires, that unthinkable scenario becomes all too real. Watching our neighbors face such devastating losses stirred something deep within many Long Beachers – a profound empathy born from the terrifying realization that it could have been any of us, and an urgent need to reach out and help however we can.
For Michelle Qazi, her immediate reaction was to spring into action.
Qazi, owner of vintage and home decor shop 6th and Detroit, began accepting donations at her small business. The community’s response was immediate and profound, so much so that within 24 hours she had to stop accepting donations. It was at that point she realized she had a unique opportunity, but not enough space to execute her idea.
That’s when she called on her friend Scott McCrorie, who donated his studio space so that she could create a free pop-up boutique for victims. Along with 26 volunteers, Qazi worked to filter out overworn, stained items so she could distribute items that were of higher quality. Through her efforts, over 70 families have been provided with clothing and other essential items.
Michelle Qazi, owner of 6th and Detroit, poses near a rack in the free clothing boutique she curated for fire victims.
Bundles of baby clothes preassembled with love and care at the free clothing boutique organized by Michelle Qazi.
“It’s hard to put into words the feelings I had when I heard what happened,” Qazi said. “I just had to help. I had to do something right away.”
While wildfires raged out of control across Los Angeles, neighboring Long Beach mobilized to aid thousands of Angelenos forced to flee winddriven flames that consumed homes, cherished establishments and Hollywood landmarks.
From Ambitious Ales to the Queen Mary, countless community figures and recognizable institutions across the city pitched in with everything from discounted hotel rooms to donation drives to help evacuees and those who lost their homes.
“The response was overwhelming, and we ended up sending over 20 trucks to LA, Pasadena, Altadena to get necessities to families in need. And we have also had restaurants step up each day to donate a minimum of 100 meals each day to deliver to the Palisades, getting meals to police, fire, and national guard. The community has been very generous.”
“I just had to help. I had to do something right away” — Michelle Qazi
Blair Cohn, executive director of the Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association, says his community stepped up in more ways than one to help. Just two days after the fires broke out, he says Cynthia Lopez, owner of Long Beach Clothing Co., and her husband Shawn began collecting donations to help feed firefighters battling the two deadly blazes just two days after the fires began.
“Her husband, Shawn, had gone into the fire zone to deliver food on his own the previous day and came back affected by what he saw,” Cohn said.
By the first night of the drive, the husband and wife team had gathered 500 meals to take to the Pacific Palisades, Cohn said.
“Of course, we wanted to rally and answer the call to help,” Cohn said.
Cohn said the business association joined the cause and began collecting donations.
The outpouring of support from Long Beach’s business community in response to the LA wildfires went far beyond what could be captured in a simple list of names and donations. While many establishments provided essential needs like food, shelter and clothing, others found uniquely thoughtful ways to help those affected by the disaster.
The Fairmont Breakers Hotel & Spa offered evacuees a 40% discount on spa services, providing a moment of peace during chaos, while Atlantic Studio 425’s Michelle Salemi opened her doors to displaced stylists who had lost their work spaces. Even Purrfect Pet Parlor stepped up, offering free baths for pets –a touching reminder that care extends to all family members, including four-legged ones.
These gestures, both large and small, from businesses and organizations across every sector of the city, exemplified the deep sense of community that defines our city.
“This is a time for unity,” Mayor Rex Richardson said at his 2025 State of the City address. “It’s a time for collective action and I’m proud of the role that Long Beach is playing in this critical situation.”
CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY
INNOVATION MEETS
ARTISTRY
Kitchen design has entered a transformative era, where innovation meets artistry to create spaces that are not only functional but also personal and sustainable. With advancements in technology, materials and craftsmanship, today’s kitchens are tailored to meet the evolving needs and tastes of homeowners.
According to interior designer Laura McCroskey, kitchens today are about more than just cooking—they’re an expression of personal lifestyle.
“Kitchen design has entered an exciting time where the possibilities feel limitless,” says McCroskey. “For me, the design process starts before lines are ever drawn on a construction document. I believe in creating spaces that enhance life, both functionally and aesthetically. The design process begins with a discussion about what a space needs to do, and what aesthetic will bring a spark to the homeowner. I also firmly believe that when
ARTICLE BY ALLISON SWAN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY NATE SHEETS
THE HEART OF THE HOME
designing a kitchen, one should walk out a recipe to make sure everything is in the right place to suit one’s lifestyle. Cooking zones are imperative to a well-designed kitchen.”
Modern kitchens emphasize zoning, or the creation of dedicated areas for preparation, cooking and storage, to enhance workflow and functionality. These zones not only improve efficiency but also contribute to a cohesive and visually appealing aesthetic.
Cutting-edge rendering software, utilizing technology similar to that used in gaming, allows homeowners to visualize their dream kitchens in hyper-realistic detail. While these tools inspire creativity, McCroskey advises balancing ambitious ideas with practical implementation to achieve the best results.
Technology, sustainability and customization are driving the revolution in kitchen design. Advanced appliances are at the forefront, enhancing convenience while aligning with a growing emphasis on eco-friendliness.
“From vacuum-sealing drawers that preserve food and reduce waste to smart appliances controlled by your phone, the emphasis is on efficiency and sustainability. Functional storage built seamlessly into marble countertops and oversized workstation sinks are making daily tasks easier and more enjoyable. Thoughtful features like composting
compartments and advanced food preservation methods reflect a broader effort to minimize waste and reduce environmental impact.”
Custom cabinetry that maximizes every inch of space minimizes waste while optimizing functionality.
“Forget the limits of traditional cabinetry. Blind corners, tiny nooks and hidden areas are now designed to maximize storage. Automated drawers and pop-up outlets are becoming increasingly common, marrying convenience with sleek aesthetics.”
Design trends have also evolved, becoming more flexible to reflect individual tastes.
“While white kitchens remain timeless and black adds drama, bleached woods continue to be popular. Style trends are no longer as rigid—whether you prefer modern, transitional, or traditional designs, you can create a kitchen tailored to your unique vision. There’s no limit to what you can achieve with today’s tools and technologies. The goal is to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who live in them.”
The kitchen is the heart of every home and represents a space of endless possibility. Whether your aesthetic leans modern, farmhouse or somewhere in between, the tools and technologies available today make it easier than ever to bring your vision to life.
Q&A WITH BEATRIX WHIPPLE
The CEO of The Whipple Group on real estate, design and building lasting connections.
ARTICLE BY KAT SCHUSTER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE WHIPPLE GROUP
LONG BEACH CITY LIFESTYLE: CAN YOU SHARE YOUR JOURNEY INTO THE REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY? WHAT FIRST SPARKED YOUR INTEREST IN THIS FIELD?
BEATRIX WHIPPLE: Growing up, my mom was a residential realtor in Orange County and I grew up surrounded by
Beatrix Whipple, CEO of The Whipple Group, sits inside one of the penthouse units at the Temple Lofts.
“We realize what a huge life transition it is to buy and sell a home, so just being available, listening to our client’s worries and concerns, and empathizing with them is often what they need.”
the business, going to open houses and helping her drop off seasonal gifts to her clients. I remember being 7 years old; it was around Halloween, and I helped her drop off little gifts to a neighborhood, pulling a red wagon filled with miniature pumpkins. She encouraged me to get my real estate license in my 20s, but I was completely opposed to it. I was more of a creative and interested in photography and nothing about the industry appealed to me. Eventually, I acquiesced and got my license. I was 23 years old and had no idea what I was doing. I was also working in north Orange County and I had no connection to what I was selling. I didn’t like the area, I didn’t like the architecture — nothing about it felt special or meaningful. As soon as I discovered Long Beach in 2003, I quickly shifted my focus and I fell in love with the area.
LBCL: HOW HAS LIVING IN LONG BEACH INFLUENCED YOUR CAREER AND APPROACH TO REAL ESTATE?
BEATRIX: The diversity of the city and exploring different areas during various phases of my life have given me an appreciation for everything Long Beach has to offer. When I was younger, being near the action of downtown or Alamitos Beach or Belmont Shore was important. Now that I’m middle-aged with kids, being in the suburbs and in close proximity to my kids’ school and supermarkets — all of these things are important to me now. Experiencing firsthand how various parts of the city have served me throughout the last 20+ years has given me an intimate knowledge of Long Beach that I don’t think you can get unless through osmosis.
A condo at 115 W 4th Street listed by the Whipple Group.
LBCL: WHAT SETS THE WHIPPLE GROUP APART IN A COMPETITIVE REAL ESTATE MARKET?
BEATRIX: We understand how pivotal and life-changing buying or selling a home can be, and we see ourselves first as advisors to help our clients discover the best path forward. Second, our breadth and depth of experience help us anticipate and mitigate many issues. Third, we don’t half-ass anything. Anything that we do, we do it right. Fourth, we build and maintain relationships with our clients. The relationship goes beyond the closing date.
LBCL: WHAT ARE SOME DESIGN ELEMENTS THAT YOU BELIEVE TRULY ELEVATE A HOME’S VALUE AND APPEAL?
BEATRIX: I believe good lighting and flow can make almost any home feel good, like a space you want to spend time in. If you have a dark or closed home, find ways to incorporate natural light, [like] opening up a smaller window to create a larger window to let in more light and make the space feel bigger.
LBCL: HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY SPECIFIC TRENDS THAT ARE UNIQUE TO LONG BEACH HOMEOWNERS?
BEATRIX: I often come across unique displays of collections of things or concert memorabilia and of course, the coolest vintage furniture and art. Long Beach loves cool vintage furniture.
LBCL: HOW DO YOU ENGAGE WITH AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY THROUGH YOUR WORK?
BEATRIX: We are huge supporters of all of the local businesses in our community. Small businesses
Top: Inside 835 Locust Ave., where The Whipple Group lists available condos. Bottom: Beatrix Whipple.
“I believe good lighting and flow can make almost any home feel good, like a space you want to spend time in.”
are not only the backbone of a community, but so many of our clients are small business owners within the community. When one of our clients was hit with the devastating news that their child was afflicted with Tay-Sachs, a genetic degenerative disease for which there is no cure, we put together multiple fundraisers to help raise money for their family.
LBCL: HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE THE EMOTIONAL SIDE OF BUYING AND SELLING HOMES WITH YOUR CLIENTS?
BEATRIX: We realize what a huge life transition it is to buy and sell a home, so just being available, listening to our client’s worries and concerns, and empathizing with them is often what they need.
LBCL: HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE WITH PERSONAL INTERESTS AND SELF-CARE?
BEATRIX: Fitness and training are probably my greatest passions outside of real estate, and I’ve spent the last several years learning as much as I can about weightlifting and nutrition. I’m training for a half-Ironman triathlon later this year.
I picked up baking sourdough during the pandemic and that’s one hobby that has stuck. I bake 4 to 8 loaves of sourdough weekly and give most of it away. I guess I balance all of this by waking up very early, and I’m lucky to have a lot of energy. I never watch TV, in fact, I don’t even know how to work the remote — but I love to read and learn things. I’m never bored.
Beatrix Whipple.
Graze Anatomy
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO DESIGNING A BEAUTIFUL FOOD BOARD AT HOME
The food board trend took off during the pandemic as people sought creative ways to enjoy themselves at home. Years later, it remains wildly popular, transforming the simple cheese-and-cracker spread into an intricate display of culinary artistry. Food design has become a cornerstone of home entertaining, elevating casual gatherings into Instagramworthy events and turning everyday snacking into a true art form.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet night in, these versatile grazing boards can elevate any dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary. The best part? You don’t need professional expertise or expensive ingredients to create something beautiful. Here’s a simple how-to guide for creating your own culinary masterpiece at home.
ARTICLE BY ANDREA CRUZ PHOTOGRAPHY BY NIRAV SOLANKI
INGREDIENTS:
• Brie
• Blueberry vanilla goat cheese
• Iberico
• Vintage Havarti
• Apricot Stilton
• Soppressata
• Peppered salami
• Honey/jam
• Olives
• Roasted artichoke heart
• Fruit for color (grapes, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, goldenberries, kiwi, blood orange and kumquats all work great)
• Nuts
• Herbs & edible flowers for garnish
Serves: 6-10
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Slice all cheeses and prep fruit before getting started. My best tip for slicing triangular cheeses is to slice along the triangular shape to keep its shape. If you are slicing a rectangular-shaped cheese, it’s best to cut straight down the smaller side and keep it as a nice, easy-to-eat slice. As a basic rule of thumb, you want 1 ounce of cheese and 2 ounces of meat per person for an appetizer portion.
2. I like to place the bigger items first, which are usually the cheeses. There is no right or wrong way to arrange them – I normally just spread them out on the board while trying to maintain a balance between the shapes and textures of each cheese.
3. Next, I place the meats. Again, balancing them throughout the board is key.
4. The next step is the fruit. I like to use seasonal fruits to ensure I have the freshest and best flavors. I work from the biggest fruit to the smallest, balancing the colors around the board.
5. Once the board is full, I use the nuts to fill any small holes along with blueberries. Finally, I add the herbs and edible flowers for garnish.
6. After all ingredients have been placed, step back and admire your creation! Your board is more than just an arrangement of food – it’s a conversation starter, a feast for the eyes, and an invitation to gather and share. Boards can also be made ahead of time. Simply cover or wrap your board in plastic to be stored in the fridge until your guests arrive.
Remember, there’s no wrong way to create a grazing board — the joy is in the process and the sharing, making each board as unique as the person who assembled it.
For more food board tips and how-to’s, follow Andrea on Instagram at @hungrydreacreations.
mousse MOCHA
Timeless. Sensual. Elegant.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER MOREHOUSE
Every year, Pantone’s Color of the Year (COTY) serves as a barometer of global cultural shifts, influencing fashion, interior design, architecture, and even the art world. More than just a color, the COTY is a reflection of our collective mood, a visual echo of societal trends and climates, and technological innovations.
In the realm of luxury interiors, color is not just a visual statement but a narrative. Mocha Mousse, with its deep and complex tones, is perfect for creating spaces that feel simultaneously intimate and elegant.
The sultry shade and all its variants can be expressed in a myriad of ways, from draped velvet curtains in a regal salon to bespoke silk cushions on a minimalist sofa to a painted accent wall in a penthouse suite. Given its aristocratic undertones, Mocha Mousse can be paired with gold or brass accents, adding an aura of sophistication and refinement.
When combined with materials like marble, leather and polished wood, Mocha Mousse exudes a serene, yet powerful energy, perfect for those who appreciate understated luxury with a touch of boldness.
The highly versatile color can easily be incorporated into your existing palette with eye-catching statement pieces such as antique art and decor. Here are a few unique finds sourced from Urban Americana, Long Beach’s premiere source for all things vintage.
A carefully curated selection of vintage books can transform an ordinary coffee table into a conversation starter.
This high feminine piece is perfectly appropriate for the Mocha Mousse palette.
Throw pillows always make an easy, low commitment way to enjoy trends.
A ceramic vase with an excellent pattern easily adds a touch of elegance.
HOUSEPLANTSThe Perfect Roommate
AN INDOOR GARDEN SANCTUARY
There are many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment.
The ubiquitous houseplant has long been a cautious curiosity for many. Comments such as “I don’t have a green thumb,” or “I can’t keep anything alive,” have echoed through the rooms and hallways of almost every home in America. Well, it’s time to dispel all the mistruths about whether houseplants are beneficial and to lay the foundation for a little oasis of green happiness in the corner of every home!
By the way, you don’t really need a green thumb as there are plenty of hard-to-kill houseplants that can survive any level of neglect! And remember not only do houseplants look pretty, they also decrease stress and anxiety, increase happiness, and bring a sense of joy and relaxation to every room.
Houseplants make us feel better about ourselves in many ways because they allow us to care for them and we reap the rewards of that love. No one is alone when you have a houseplant, as they are our forever listeners. Yes, some people actually do talk with their houseplants all day long! There are
ARTICLE BY SEAN O’KEEFE
many science-based benefits to having houseplants in the home and office environment. Aside from reducing indoor air pollutants and increasing humidity in the home, house plants have been shown to reduce mental fatigue, accelerate the healing process, as well as improve productivity and focus.
Pothos, spider plants, lady palms, yucca, and succulents are so pretty and easy to grow. It is no wonder that we have seen a revival of indoor gardening trends. Instagram is teeming with photos of incredible indoor “living green” vignettes that show us all how clever we can be when decorating with house plants! All you really need is to a pick a place in the home that has the best light and pick your plants.
Think outside of the box when it comes to decorating with houseplants. Look for underused spaces. Use mixed and matched pots of different sizes and shapes. Turn a shelf into a plant display. Go vertical with some hanging plants or an antique ladder. You can even group some of your favorite plants together into a single large decorative pot.
Signature large plant displays anchor the most well-designed rooms in America and it’s all there for us to look at, learn from, and bring into our own home. Whether combined into a single large decorative pot or clustered together in a corner, always remember the key to any house plant décor is to have a thriller, a tall plant usually with a strong color and form; filler plants that literally will fill the pot covering all the soil; and a spiller plant that trails over the edge of the pot. Try any combination of your favorite plants or a tried and true combination of a fiddle-leaf fig, a prayer plant, and a string of pearls.
No matter how you look at it, houseplants improve our lives in many ways. Indoor gardens provide us an alternative way to commune with nature and to reconnect with the living world. We all benefit from the additional life that houseplants bring into our homes. In this crazy world of ours, wouldn’t be it nice to return home to your own personal indoor greenspace.
Happy gardening!
events
MARCH 8TH
Long Beach Symphony: Musical Fusion with Arturo Sandoval
Long Beach Terrace Theater | 7:30 PM
2024 Kennedy Center Honoree Arturo Sandoval, a virtuoso in jazz and classical music with ten Grammy Awards, headlines an evening promising a harmonious fusion of genres.
MARCH 15TH
Ballet Hispánico: CARMEN.maquia
Carpenter Performing Arts Center | 8:00 PM
Ballet Hispánico reimagines Bizet’s iconic Carmen through a contemporary lens inspired by Picasso’s artistic vision. Spanish choreographer Gustavo Ramírez Sansano leads this New York City-based company in a bold interpretation that blends flamenco and tango with modern and classical dance styles. This full-length production delivers a passionate performance where raw emotion meets innovative choreography.
MARCH 16TH
Long Beach International Peace & Diverstiy Festival and Concert
Grace First Presbyterian Church | 1:30 PM
Enjoy games, crafts, goodie samples from around the globe and live multicultural music at the 25th anniversary of the Long Beach International Peace & Diverstiy Festival. The concert immediately follows the festival at 4:15 PM, featuring various musical and dance acts.
MARCH 22ND – 23RD
Shen Yun
Long Beach Terrace Theater | Showtimes Vary
Shen Yun, meaning “the beauty of divine beings dancing,” presents a vision of traditional Chinese civilization through the lens of its pre-communist era. The production celebrates ancient China’s spiritual heritage and cultural artistry, bringing to life historical tales and traditions through elaborate classical dance, live orchestra, and vibrant storytelling. The performances offer audiences a glimpse into China’s rich cultural legacy as it existed before communist influence.
MARCH 29TH – 30TH
International Children’s Festival
Aquarium of the Pacific | 9:00 AM
The Aquarium of the Pacific’s twentieth annual International Children’s Festival is a special festival for kids. Celebrating the talents of children of many cultures, this two-day festival features cultural presentations and performances by children. The Aquarium will also honor a local youth with its annual Young Hero Award in recognition of their efforts to make our planet a better place.
APRIL 6TH
Aziz Ansari: Hypothetical Tour
Long Beach Terrace Theater | 7:00 PM
Aziz Ansari is an award-winning actor, director, writer and comedian. Known for his roles as Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation and Dev Shah on Master of None, Ansari brings his Hypothetical Tour to Long Beach on April 6th.
Compassionate Care for Your Loved Ones in the Comfort of Home
At UltraCare Home Care Services, we are dedicated to providing exceptional non-medical home care services in LA County and parts of Orange County. Our professional team offers personalized home care solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring comfort and peace of mind for both clients and their families. Get started today by booking a no charge home assessment and experience the UltraCare